Under21 World Cup: USA vs South Korea

Eurosport is broadcasting the Under21 World Cup in Canada at the moment so I caught a glimpse of USA vs South Korea, who were playing against each other at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal. The US team is always considered to be somewhat of a "sleeping giant" with so many young people playing football (yeah, well, I know they call it soccer) over there. And they have one of the top prospects in international football with Freddy Adu. German newspapers were hailing him as the future superstar a few years ago, when he was only 14 years old.


But South Korea kept him in check and although the US took the lead in the first half Korea dominated the game. In 2002 the national team was one of the surprises of the World Cup when they reached the semifinal against Germany. Back then people were always talking about the effort the "Reds" were making during a game. They were running and running and running and running. They did the same yesterday but at the same time they were creating wonderful chances. In the first half there was a long pass almost over the whole pitch to the left side were the winger only had to stick out his foot to touch the ball. A brilliant pass, something I hadn't seen in a long time. This had a touch of Bernd Schuster, the maestro of long passes back in the days. And the Koreans had good chances in the second half when they could have outscored the US boys by tow or three goals. That seems to be their big problem. They have to score goals to win. They have the technique for sure.
I was a little disappointed with team USA. But at least the play the tournament, the German team didn't make it to the final round again. And that really is a pity.

Tonight Japan will play against Scotland, let's hope Eurosport is on that one as well...

The future of European football on display

The European Championship for players under 21 are taking place in the Netherlands right now and the semifinals were up today. The German ream lost to England in the playoff matches although they looked pretty confident after the group stage. But they only managed a draw away and then lost to England at home.

No I always like to watch under 21 games because it gives you a glimpse of the future of football. There are so many players who made an impact when they played youth games. And although it is true that there are some of them who already play for the big teams there are still some players that surprise you. As for the German team almost half of that class now plays on a senior level, the best known players being Podolski and Schweinsteiger. So with so many good players missing one might say that it is no surprise they didn't make it.

Anyway, the semis took place today and England faced the hosts, the Netherlands. Oh boy, what a thriller. Both teams were tied at 1-1 with England leading off in the frist half and the Netherlands equalising just before the final whistle. The extra time produced no score and so the match went into a penalty shoot out. Now, the senoir teams of both sides didn't always do best when it comes to shoot from 11 metres. Germans love to remember England losing to them twice in big games on penalties (1990 World Cup semis, 1996 Euro semis). In fact I don't even know if England ever won a penalty shoot out. I wouldn't be too surprised if the hadn't. The Netherlands weren't too lucky as well. So with that I mind I kept on watching and I saw both teams score and score and score and score. The damn thing ended at 13-12 for the Netherlands with some guys missing the target but most of them scoring. Should give them some hope for the future.


The Netherlands advanced to the final and will face Serbia. Now, I seem to have some sort of prejudice towards teams from southern Europe. They all play the same style of footbnall. They are all wonderful plays with excellent skill and brilliant technique. But when it comes to fair play the totally lose it. And especially the teams from the balcan region are way out of it. There was one scene when a Serbian player went through the Belgium defense with two options: pass the ball or shoot it on the goal. He aimed for the latter and missed. Instead of going after the lost ball he decided to take a dive. The Belgians didn't bother and played on. This is so lame and it's so typical of balcan sides. Another scene was a hand play by a Serbian defender. I just hate the way they play.
And they get way too emotional. When they faced England in the group they were almost starting a brawl on the pitch.

So, for the beauty of the game I surely hope that the Netherlands will win the competition. Although because of the huge rivalry between germany and the Netherlands I know some people will hate me for that wish...